Indiana High School Diploma Changes - La Porte Community School Corporation

Changes to Indiana High School Diploma Requirements

The Indiana State Board of Education has approved significant changes to high school diploma requirements with unanimous support. These changes include a streamlined approach with one base diploma containing minimum requirements for all students, plus the opportunity to earn readiness seals aligned with students' unique educational paths.

The new diploma system will replace the current options (Core 40, Academic Honors, Technical Honors, etc.) with a more flexible, personalized approach. Students can earn various "readiness seals" that align with their post-graduation enrollment goals in higher education, employment, or enlistment in military service. If a student acquires one seal, they automatically fulfill Graduation Pathway requirements.

These readiness seals are designed to be flexible, allowing students to update their graduation plan throughout high school if their interests or goals change. The seals are categorized as "honors seals" (similar to current academic honors designations) and "honors plus seals" (which reflect expanded opportunities).

Students can pursue enhanced "plus" seals, including credentials like completing the Indiana College Core or more than 100 hours of work-based learning. Even students who earn the base diploma without a seal can still enroll in college, find employment, or enlist in military service.

These changes represent what Indiana Secretary of Education Katie Jenner describes as the most significant update to diplomas in approximately 40 years. The new requirements will take effect statewide with the class of 2029, though local districts can adopt them earlier.

Overview of Changes

From Multiple Diplomas to One Base Diploma with Readiness Seals

The new system features a base diploma with minimum requirements for all students, complemented by the opportunity to earn "readiness seals" that align with students' individual educational paths and post-graduation goals. These seals are designed to be flexible, allowing students to update their graduation plans throughout high school as their interests and aspirations evolve.

The readiness seals are categorized as follows:

Honors Seals: Similar to the current academic honors designations
Employment Seals: Focused on career readiness and work experience
Enlistment Seals: Preparing students for military service

Students can further enhance their diplomas by earning "plus" versions of these seals, which include additional credentials such as completing the Indiana College Core or accumulating more than 100 hours of work-based learning experience. Importantly, even students who earn just the base diploma without any seals can still pursue college enrollment, employment, or military enlistment after graduation.

Timeline for Implementation

The new diploma requirements will be implemented according to the following timeline:

Current Status: The State Board of Education has approved the final rule for the new diploma requirements.
Throughout 2025: Implementation resources and supports will be developed, including eligible course titles and descriptions.
Starting October 1, 2028: Indiana's current graduation requirements will sunset.
Class of 2029: The new requirements will be fully effective for all students (current 7th graders as of 2024).
Early Adoption Option: School districts may opt in to the new requirements earlier, following the completion of the Board's rule-making process.

How This Affects Students

Current High School Students (Classes of 2025-2028)

High school students will continue to follow the existing diploma and Graduation Pathways requirements. They can earn an Indiana Diploma with Core 40, Academic Honors, Technical Honors, or General designation. Students in the classes of 2023 and beyond must complete Graduation Pathways regardless of which diploma type they pursue.

Incoming Students (Class of 2029 and Beyond)

The new diploma system will be required for students entering high school in the fall of 2028 (Class of 2029) and beyond. These students will:

Complete a base diploma with foundational requirements
Have the opportunity to personalize their education by earning readiness seals
Use their graduation plans (completed in middle school) to map out their high school coursework
Experience more flexibility in course selection, particularly in 11th and 12th grades
Have increased opportunities for meaningful work-based learning, career exploration, and credential attainment

It's important to note that earning at least one readiness seal will automatically fulfill a student's Graduation Pathways requirements. Students who do not earn a seal must still complete components 2 and 3 of Graduation Pathways separately.

Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities

Indiana will continue to offer the federally-required alternate diploma, which is designed specifically for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities, comprising no more than 1% of the state's students annually.